I was Baptist nine months before I was born, and grew up with a lot of don’ts. Most of them were negative things as I look back and didn’t do anything to guide me to a closer relationship with my Savior. This week, I want to share with you some don’ts from John that feel new, and positive. The first one is “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
John 4:1-7
Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John — although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”
When I prepare to write devotions, I always pray and trust God to give me something I can share with you.
“You need to see an Oncologist/Hematologist as soon as possible.”
He has never failed to give me a message and the words that bring the scripture to mean something personal to me.
“Don’t miss this appointment; change what you have to, but don’t miss it.”
Sometimes, the lessons have come easily.
“We want to do some more tests, but I believe it’s a form of leukemia.”
And sometimes God has used a 2 by 4 to get my attention.
“The tests have confirmed it…”
In the scripture above, Jesus set an example I need to follow more often. He was thirsty and asked someone to meet His need. A simple yet perfect example! As Tracy and I have ridden the recent whirlwind, at times we felt overwhelmed – at times numb. Yet we had a need. We needed to feel in some tangible way, that things were going to be ok. With the intent of trying to comfort Tracy, I sent one email. An email that went to friends and loved ones (all of who are now family). Afterwards, I looked at the list and realized that over 100 people in 13 states and 2 countries were praying for Tracy and our family. We received emails, phone calls, text messages, Facebook posts, flowers, visits, fruit, and hugs. It was overwhelming to realize the power of prayer and to feel God’s presence around us. It was more than OK to ask for help, and God provided an abundant response to our need.
What need do you have today that you need to ask for help with? Don’t be afraid to ask.
